Press Release 9th June 2026

“Vienna Shows Its Heart”: BILLA and Volkshilfe Wien launch a joint food collection campaign for Viennese people in need

A gesture of compassion: BILLA and Volkshilfe Wien are launching a joint food donation initiative from 19 to 27 June for Viennese people in need. As part of the “Wien zeigt Herz” campaign, BILLA is offering its customers in all 350 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna the opportunity to purchase food bags for €9.50. The bags sold, which are filled with staple foods such as beans, sugar and pasta, will be collected in the stores and handed over to Volkshilfe Wien once the campaign has ended.

A group of seven people standing in front of a truck with "BILLA PLUS" branding. They are holding shopping bags and packaged food items. There is a red "volks.liebe" banner and a sign on the truck indicating it's electric. They are outdoors on a sunny day.

(from left to right): Peter Merhar (Senior Project Manager, BILLA Sustainability), Hamed Mohseni (BILLA Sales Director), Michael Häupl (President of Volkshilfe Vienna), Tanja Wehsely (Managing Director of Volkshilfe Vienna), Erich Szuchy (BILLA CEO), Sabine Didio (Head of Fundraising at Volkshilfe Vienna) and Paul Dickinger (Head of Civil Society Network at Volkshilfe Vienna) are delighted with the joint food collection campaign for Viennese people in need. / Copyright: © Volkshilfe/Kücükcay, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

From 19 to 27 June 2026, food parcels will be available in all 350 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna, with the proceeds going to people in need
Customers can purchase the parcels, which are filled with basic foodstuffs, for €9.50 directly at the checkout
All bags sold will then be distributed directly to people affected by poverty via distribution points and social welfare organisations cooperating with Volkshilfe Wien

From there, the donations are distributed via distribution points and partner social services to Viennese people in need, providing support where it is most urgently required. During the first few days of the collection campaign, volunteers from Volkshilfe Wien will also be informing customers about the initiative at around 40 selected BILLA stores.

Erich Szuchy, BILLA CEO: “When it comes to ‘Vienna Shows Its Heart’, BILLA is naturally on board. As one of Austria’s largest local retailers, we are part of many people’s daily lives – and this gives us a clear responsibility. For decades, we have been working alongside our customers on various projects and initiatives to promote a strong and supportive society. In cooperation with Volkshilfe Wien, we are now taking a further step and, as part of our fundraising campaign, providing swift and unbureaucratic help to fellow citizens in need. I would like to thank in advance everyone who supports our campaign and warmly invite all customers to take part – because together we can really make a difference.”

Tanja Wehsely, Managing Director of Volkshilfe Wien: “Through the ‘Vienna Shows Its Heart’ campaign, you can help people living in poverty directly and quickly whilst doing your daily shopping. From 19 June, BILLA customers can purchase a food parcel worth €9.50 in all 350 Vienna branches – and thereby provide immediate support to people affected by poverty. Every parcel purchased will be distributed within a few weeks directly through our facilities to those who need it most urgently. I would like to thank BILLA for this strong partnership. Together, we are sending a clear message of solidarity in our city – in a straightforward and effective way.”

Michael Häupl, President of Volkshilfe Vienna: “Vienna is a city of social cohesion – the ‘Vienna Shows Its Heart’ campaign demonstrates this in an impressive way. When thousands of Viennese donate a food parcel whilst shopping, that is solidarity and humanity in action. Volkshilfe Vienna has always stood by those who need our support. In BILLA, we have gained a strong partner. I invite all Viennese: make a difference over these ten days and show your heart. Every parcel counts – and is guaranteed to reach its destination.”